Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is keen to recruit at least another defender before Thursday’s 11pm deadline and has indicated Monreal and Amorebieta as potential arrivals.

Wenger has grown impatient in recent weeks by customary individual mistakes in the back four, and was looking at another defensive player to bring in before the game against Liverpool last night.

The need for defensive recruitment was embodied further though on the first goal Arsenal conceded last night; with every member of the back four culpable for what was an avoidable goal.

They also lost left back Kieran Gibbs who suffered a thigh strain and expected to be out for a further three to four weeks; hence this afternoon’s Monreal talk.

Monreal however, would be cup tied in the Champions League should Arsenal decide to bid what would be in the region of £7m, a bid that may be accepted by the Andalusian club due to their current financial restraints.

Amorebieta, who was expected to sign a contract renewal at Athletic, now looks to be on his way out.

With only six months left on his contract at San Mames, Athletic could cash in on the Veneuzelan international with Arsenal leading Everton, Liverpool and Galatasaray as potential suitors.